EC tribunal begins Bengal operations with 16 judges present

Kolkata: The Appellate Tribunal has started its operations in Bengal with 16 judges, out of the total appointed 19 judges, who were present on Monday, a top EC official said. Meanwhile, a team led by senior DEC Gyanesh Bharti from New Delhi reached Bengal and held review meetings at Bankura and Paschim Bardhaman along with ECI principal secretary, DEOs, SPs, DFC, CAPF and all ECI observers on Monday.

The Tribunal functioned from 10:30-11:00 am till 4:30–5:00 pm on Monday. Several thousand applications have been submitted online. The judges will determine the procedure for the disposal of applications submitted to the tribunal, sources informed.

Meanwhile, the West Bengal CEO’s office has started a special toll-free number to receive complaints regarding law and order. An email ID has been provided for the submission of specific complaints.


The Election Commission has sought a report regarding the involvement of a Nigerian footballer in the election campaign for the Trinamool candidate from the Rajarhat-Gopalpur assembly constituency. The Commission has also sought a report concerning remarks made by the Trinamool Congress block president in Indas, Bankura.

Voter Awareness in Alipurduar

Monday’s voter awareness activities were organised at Alipurduar district’s Panijhora (a forest village) where awareness was conducted through folk tribal dance. First-time, youth voter awareness was done through a football match, plantation drive giving the message of eco-friendly elections.


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While addressing the programme, Deputy Director, ECI Apurva Kumar Singh emphasised on peaceful conduct of elections. He appealed to all voters to come to their respective polling stations and cast their vote and exercise their franchise.

Voters were informed about ECI initiatives like mobile deposit facilities, clear voter information slips, 100% webcasting, assured minimum facilities and the ECI Net app.


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Singh said ECI has taken all the steps and done all preparations to facilitate comfortable voting to everyone in a peaceful, fear-free and festive environment.